Florene (Hunter) Benedict
November 3, 1918 — February 5, 2016
Florene Benedict, 97, a resident of Wellsboro, passed peacefully on February 5th, 2016 after fighting a lengthy illness. On November 3rd, 1918 in Wellsboro, PA, Albert and Matilda G. Hunter welcomed their daughter Matilda Florene Hunter into the world. She was a graduate of the Wellsboro High School. In 1950, Florene and her husband, Robert Wilson Wheeler of Wellsboro moved to Los Angeles, CA. While in California, their family grew with the births of three children, Harry, Carol, and Robert Jr. During those years, Florene enjoyed their beautiful home and learned photography.
Florene made her way back to Wellsboro after several years of a separation and met Byron Benedict whom she married in the 1980’s. Together they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and after retirement they began to enjoy their winters in Winter Haven, Florida. In 2000, Byron preceded her in death. In spite of Byron’s passing, Florene continued to go to Florida during the winter months. In Florene’s final years, she enjoyed the companionship of her dearest friend, John Antonio. They traveled and visited Florene’s children in California and spent time in Florida.
Florene is survived by her brother Milford Hunter (Mary Lou) of Inverness, Florida; children, Harry Wheeler of Concordia, KS; Carol Beers (Ed Houtz) of Lancaster, CA and Robert Wheeler Jr. (Cheryl) of Ventura, CA; Bob (Cynthia) Benedict of Wellsboro and Nancy Benedict of Bell Run. Florene is also survived by many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and step-children.
Florene was preceded in death by her sister, Alverta Stout of Elmira, NY; brother Arnold Hunter of Santa Rosa, CA; sister Anna Krause of Inverness, FL. and step son John Benedict of Wellsboro.
The family is deeply grateful for those who continued to visit and make her last days as pleasant as possible. We are especially thankful to her loving companion John Antonio, niece Linda Koeppel, step-son Bob Benedict and step-daughter Nancy Benedict.
Florene’s service will be held at the Wellsboro Cemetery on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 at 11am with Rev. Darwin Cranmer officiating.
To share your fondest memories and sign the guest book, visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Florene's family has entrusted Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home with the arrangements of her service.